Legnum To Stagea Help

[GreenMedina]

Hi guys & ladies, I'll get striaght to the punch...

I'm currently piloting a 1997 VR4 Legnum Type S (Auto), & have been offered a trade for a 1997 RS4 Stagea (Converted to Manual - R32 GTR Box)

I would like your opinions (unbiased please just cause I drive a Mitsu don't player hate) as to if this would be viable - I know ultimately It's my decision but seeing that you peeps have a heads up with the knowledge of the Mighty Stag, I feel it would be advantegeous having your input

Thanks in advance

Looking forward to leaning another facet of the Automotive world

[KiwiRS4T]

Have you had a drive? I would snap it up being a manual. A stock RS4T would probably not overwhelm you but a manual opens up a whole world of relatively inexpensive mods and a new or chipped computer ...although i would gues sthat someone who has gone to the trouble of putting in a manual box has already done a few performance mods.

[GreenMedina]

Haven't driven it yet - (it's 1900klms from me) Only performance modifications it has are Lightened Flywheel, HD Clutch, 3inch exhaust & BOV... I don't really want to go backwards from the Legnum as they're pretty quick (mine has full exhaust with custom dumps & MBC) keeps up with my friends VE SS (300kw)... But the Stag is manual hmmmm...

[Stinky Rooster]

well, having driven a legnum I can tell you that initial impressions probably wont stir you much. The stag is a much heavier car and feels a fair bit bigger than a leggy, and as much as I hate to admit it, the traction and yaw control of the leggy left me fkn speechless. A legnum will almost always be quicker than a stagea, mod for mod IMO - just due to the weight and weight distribution.

However, the driveline of the stag is indestructable compared to the leggy, and if you ever have to do any work on the stag, you will be REALLY happy you ditched the leggy. The stagea is eleventy billion times easier to swing spanners on. Also, the practcalities of the stagea, as a wagon, leave everything else way behind. Niceties like the self closing tailgate and reclining rear seats are a bonus, although the stagea front seats suck arse compared to the mitsu offering (especially if yours have those recaro's)

TBH just the fact that its a manual with a smattering of mods would have me happy to walk the 1900km's to play swapsies

[lachlanw]

i would do it just for the atessa and a manual . i dunno about prices over there but there would be quite a difference in price between those two in nz . (in your favour)

[iamhe77]

Depends what your aspirations are for the car.

If you are happy with the Legnum's speed I would say stick with that. It is a far more inspiring car than an S1.

If, however, you want more, then more and are prepared to spend the cash on mods for it, I would take the Stag.

Easier to mod and it comes in AWD and manual so you know that once you get the power up you will have more fun and won't have the trans issue that Legnum's suffer

Edited April 8, 2010 by iamhe77

[rb26stagea]

I had both at the same time for about a year: a '97 auto leggie, and my Stag. I found the build quality and handling of the Mitsu to be better, but the stag has waaaay more potential if that's your thing. Stags are also a great deal easier to get serviceable items for.

I ended up selling the Leggie, because auto isn't my thing, and would have liked to try a manual version, but they're too difficult to make decent power from, IMO. Stagea FTW: I'm never selling mine...

[GreenMedina]

Test drive one I must! I've driven a Series 2 Skyline (manual) bock stock & liked the engine but with an additional couple hundred kilo's I'm not too sure I'll be inspired First on would go Boost controller + Larger Intercooler, injectors, bigger turbo's, nice manifold, New EMS argh the list could go for days!

Yeah that's the definate upside - plethora of aftermarket parts

I really do like my Legnum but Auto combined with my inability to keep cars for too long it looks like it could be a nice change

Thanks guys I do appreciate all your input

[Duncan]

hmmm what is wrong with the stagea. if it is in good condition the swap is way in your favour....personally I would be a little suspicous, or at least careful

[pipster11]

i'd probably stay away from a converted one to be honest mate

the c34's are good cars but look at the thread that highlights the problems with manualising a stagea

http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/wh...nv-t105947.html

if it was a swap for an autech 260rs or a series 2 rs4s then i'd jump at it but for a converted s1.... not sure if its a good trade

also, there are a few bargain rs4s's getting about i got mine way under market price

i've only driven mine but it handles well for a big car, surprises anyone who gets in it but does wash out a bit in the corners if you come in with a bit too much speed (can be fixed with a castor kit and some good tires and maybe a coilover kit)

factory manuals also got thicker drive shafts, beefier rear sway bar and s2's have more torque from the neo motor (rather than the average rb25)

comes down to you in the end but manual stageas aren't as rare as they used to be

good luck with whatever you do

[KiwiRS4T]

The post you quoted against going manual is way too negative. The only bit that is true is that you will probably not get any money back for it but that applies to any any mod that you do. My manual conversion with R33 Gtr box, handbrake and pedals cost NZ$2000 incl labour. People have done it themselves for under $1000. If you were silly enough to want to pay the $7500 quoted you may as well buy a manual car instead. Anyway the OP is looking at an already converted car and there is no downside to having a manual except you will need a new clutch every few years.

[pipster11]

The post you quoted against going manual is way too negative. The only bit that is true is that you will probably not get any money back for it but that applies to any any mod that you do. My manual conversion with R33 Gtr box, handbrake and pedals cost NZ$2000 incl labour. People have done it themselves for under $1000. If you were silly enough to want to pay the $7500 quoted you may as well buy a manual car instead. Anyway the OP is looking at an already converted car and there is no downside to having a manual except you will need a new clutch every few years.

yeah i think it was written a while ago when the centre console alone was worth $1k AU

there are manual legnums starting at $12k

manual stags start at $12k for converted ones and about $14k for a factory fitted manual

or a 260rs is for sale for $16k but its an rs4 converted to 260rs

[pixel8r]

Hmm admittedly my knowledge is limited on legnums and I've only owned a s2 and M35 (but have driven in a s1). However I'd probably side with the legnum on this one. Mainly because, as a direct comparison, the legnum is probably overall the better car "as is" (ie. both in standard trim). The stagea offers more potential though...so it comes down to how much money you're prepared to spend.

Of all the people on this forum who have owned legnums and driven stageas, most rate the legnum somewhere in-between a C34 and M35 stagea. mainly this is about performance, where the legnum could leave most stageas behind and their fuel economy is reported to be slightly better too...depending on mods of course.

You'll need to do a fair amount to the stagea to get it up to the same power level as the legnum (boost, possibly turbo, FMIC, tuning?) but with a manual stagea you have a LOT of options. The stagea does have more boot space though...

Note the factory manuals are RWD (I think) so bear that in mind...basically if you want manual+AWD you're looking at a converted stagea anyway. provided the conversion was done well there shouldn't be any issue.

On the C34 you'll probably be up for a turbo upgrade at some point anyway, particularly if you increase the boost etc. The ceramic turbos in all stageas aren't known for longevity. Pretty sure the legnum turbos have steel wheels meaning they can handle more boost.

Looks are in the eye of the beholder...I probably prefer the legnum for looks, although sometimes they look a bit odd from certain angles (yeah, I know, pot & kettle etc).

[pipster11]

Hmm admittedly my knowledge is limited on legnums and I've only owned a s2 and M35 (but have driven in a s1). However I'd probably side with the legnum on this one. Mainly because, as a direct comparison, the legnum is probably overall the better car "as is" (ie. both in standard trim). The stagea offers more potential though...so it comes down to how much money you're prepared to spend.

Of all the people on this forum who have owned legnums and driven stageas, most rate the legnum somewhere in-between a C34 and M35 stagea. mainly this is about performance, where the legnum could leave most stageas behind and their fuel economy is reported to be slightly better too...depending on mods of course.

You'll need to do a fair amount to the stagea to get it up to the same power level as the legnum (boost, possibly turbo, FMIC, tuning?) but with a manual stagea you have a LOT of options. The stagea does have more boot space though...

Note the factory manuals are RWD (I think) so bear that in mind...basically if you want manual+AWD you're looking at a converted stagea anyway. provided the conversion was done well there shouldn't be any issue.

On the C34 you'll probably be up for a turbo upgrade at some point anyway, particularly if you increase the boost etc. The ceramic turbos in all stageas aren't known for longevity. Pretty sure the legnum turbos have steel wheels meaning they can handle more boost.

Looks are in the eye of the beholder...I probably prefer the legnum for looks, although sometimes they look a bit odd from certain angles (yeah, I know, pot & kettle etc).

only rwd stageas are auto

all manuals are awd

stock stagea turbos are good for about 12psi

i know an rvr owner about to get a tune and wind 20 psi into it on a stock turbo

a legnum has just started parking near where i live but hasn't moved for a few days, wanna hear than thing fire up, it looks pretty nice

would be pretty intruiged as to how my rs4s compares to it

[nickcorr]

I looked very seriously at the Legnum, and have a relative who is very active in the VR4 forums.. but in the end, went for the M35...

Yes, I know that you're looking at a C34, but then so was I... It was only when iamhe77 got involved that the M35 was even considered...

Also I needed a bigger car (drivers seat area) than my R33, and whilst the C34 was bigger, I felt that the Legnum was much the same size, based on my relatives Super VR4.

Both are excellent cars and have positives and negatives... Ultimately it comes down to your needs and situation...

Don't want to spend any money on go fast bits, and don't need to get the vehicle serviced too often, go with the Legnum and enjoy its amazing performance and handling from the super trick rear diff and transmission..

But if you want to have a play.. change some parts, do some work on the car yourself start looking at large amounts of power... Then C34.. You open your engine to the huge amount of work that has been done to the RB engines, and knowledge ammased over the years with the Skyline platform.. But you are starting from an S1, so power wise, you will be much slower than the Legnum. Top power posibilities are only limited by your budget, and not by waiting and having your car as the prototype, as much of the VR4 guys have to do..

Optimum scenario...

Get both..

[iamhe77]

I looked very seriously at the Legnum, and have a relative who is very active in the VR4 forums.. but in the end, went for the M35...

Yes, I know that you're looking at a C34, but then so was I... It was only when iamhe77 got involved that the M35 was even considered...

...And I'd do it again too!

[rb26stagea]

FYI: the manual console is STILL over $1k from Nissan: I bought mine late last year, and the pricing was insane...

Also, a point to note: VR4 forums has been suspended indefinitely: apparently the owner had too much on his plate, and nobody offered to caretake/buy the forums before the suspension took place. Who knows if it will be back. If it were me, I would seriously consider the lack of a knowledeable support group when buying a "specialist" vehicle. Assuming vr4 stays out permanently, it will be months and months before a replacement takes over, and all the old hands make themselves known again. This situation played a huge part in my decision to make my V35 a daily driver: I actually wanted to downgrade to a manual galant Leggy for daily duties, but without the support network in place, it has become a non-option.

[GreenMedina]

Only OZVR4 has been canned - ClubVR4 is still a prominent Legnum/Galant website that provides a plethora of info (worldwide too)

True indeed that it will essentially come down to my limitations dollar wise as the temptation would be far too great to resist on the RB25

Small mechanical issue with it though - has a dodgy 5th gear that apparently makes a "rasping" sound once changed & sometimes "snicks" when changing...

Any ideas?

Here's a quick pic of my Leg - Yes I could have done the whole Check out my ride thing but seeing it won't be in my possession for too much longer..

You have to admit, it's pretty sexual *nudge nudge*

Edited April 9, 2010 by GreenMedina

[rb26stagea]

PFL FTW!!! Much nicer looking: Just like mine, but blue.....with roof racks.....and different wheels.....

[KiwiRS4T]

Only OZVR4 has been canned - ClubVR4 is still a prominent Legnum/Galant website that provides a plethora of info (worldwide too)

True indeed that it will essentially come down to my limitations dollar wise as the temptation would be far too great to resist on the RB25

Small mechanical issue with it though - has a dodgy 5th gear that apparently makes a "rasping" sound once changed & sometimes "snicks" when changing...

Any ideas?

Redline anti shock gearbox oil seems to do the job.